Silverbird Group

The Silverbird Group is a Nigerian multinational real estate, mass media and entertainment company headquartered in Lagos.[1] The company was established in 1980 by Ben Murray-Bruce and has gone on to be one of the most popular entertainment companies in Nigeria and beyond.[2] The company is the official organizer of MBGN and Mr Nigeria.[3]

Silverbird Group
Silverbird Group
Formerly
Siverbird Magazine
Private
IndustryMass media
Founded1980 (1980)
FounderBen Murray-Bruce
HeadquartersVictoria Island,
Lagos, Lagos State
,
Nigeria
Areas served
Key people
Ben Murray-Bruce (Chairman)
Roy Murray-Bruce
ServicesReal estate
Entertainment
Websitewww.silverbirdgroup.com

History

The origins of firm began in June 1980, when Benedict Murray-Bruce, son of a former UAC executive, secured funds from his family to start a music promotion enterprise. The business began during Nigeria's Second Republic and was involved in promotion of American music artists in Nigeria,[4] the firm organized promotions for such bands as The Whispers, Shalamar, Lakeside and Carrie Lucas.[5] The enterprise later delved into a dancing competition. The group later expanded into beauty pageant.[5]

In the 1990s, after the government liberalized the radio air waves, Silverbird established Rhythm 93.7 FM, initially, promoting a less talk more music brand. The radio started with old school jams and later began playing Afro hip hop. Though, Murray-Bruce also wanted a television license, his application was delayed as a result of conflicts with the management of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission. In 1999, Bruce was appointed director of NTA and was soon able to get approval for Silverbird Television. The television station initially filled programming slots with syndicated foreign shows.[4]

Silverbird Productions

Silverbird Productions is a division of the company that organizes the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant which began as Miss Universe Nigeria in 1983 but was later renamed to its present name. This division is also responsible in the organization of the Mr Nigeria pageant.[6]

Silverbird Communications

The Silverbird Communications comprises the company's radio station Rhythm 93.7 FM and Silverbird Television. Rhythm 93.7 FM Lagos was established in 1997 while Silverbird Television commenced transmission in Lagos in 2003.[2] In 2002, Rhythm 93.7 FM Port Harcourt was established and the Silverbird TV was also set up. In 2008 Rhythm 93.7 FM Jos was established to serve as the bedrock of entertainment in the media space on the Plateau

Silverbird Cinemas
Silverbird cinema building, Victoria Island, Lagos

The Silverbird Cinema is one of the biggest cinemas in West Africa with 69 screens in branches across Nigeria, Accra and Nairobi.[7][8]

The first cinema was opened in May 2004 at the Silverbird Galleria in Victoria Island, Lagos. Massive commercial success has given rise to the opening of additional multiplexes in different locations across Nigeria. At the moment, Silverbird has cinemas in the following cities in Nigeria: Abuja, Lagos, Uyo, Warri and Port Harcourt.[9]

Silverbird Properties

Silverbird Properties is one of the fastest growing divisions of the company. This division is responsible for all real-estate related activities and it currently operates in Bayelsa State and Akwa Ibom State.[10]

Silverbird Film Distribution

This division of the company is responsible for all film distribution activities.[11]

Silverbird Mall
Main article: Silverbird Galleria

The Silverbird Mall is located in Victoria Island, Lagos.[12] It consists of the popular Silverbird Galleria.[13]

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References
  1. "Silverbird Cinemas Head Quarters". LogBaby. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  2. Ogbonna Amadi; Lolade Sowoolu (30 October 2010). "The Ben Bruce story". Vanguard. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  3. Abiodun Omigie. "PHOTOS: Meet the 34 gorgeous ladies contesting for the 2013 MBGN crown". The Net. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  4. Ofili, Chike (2006). "Silverbird: Celebrating Twenty Five Years of Imitations". Brandfaces. Brand Support Services (33). OCLC 54515558.
  5. "Showbiz Runs In This Family". Tempo (Lagos). February 10, 1999.
  6. Ifeoma Ononye (1 November 2014). "As Mr. Nigeria, ladies always stalk me –Bakare". Daily Independent. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  7. "Silverbird Group Supports 3rd Eko International Film Festival". Eko International Film Festival. 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  8. Carmela Garritano (15 February 2013). African Video Movies and Global Desires: A Ghanaian History. Ohio University Press. pp. 214–. ISBN 978-0-89680-484-5.
  9. "About Silverbird Cinemas. Nigeria's Leading Cinemas Chain". silverbirdcinemas.com. Retrieved 2016-04-09.
  10. "Silverbird Properties". Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  11. "Ramsay Nouah set to shine as Tempting Fate hits cinemas". The Sun. 13 June 2015. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
  12. Leo Zeilig (2009). Class Struggle and Resistance in Africa. Haymarket Books. pp. 3–. ISBN 978-1-931859-68-4.
  13. "Silverbird Cinemas Silverbird galleria Lagos Nigeria". Lagos-Nigeria-Real-Estate-Advisor. Retrieved 3 August 2015.
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